HC Deb 19 May 1908 vol 189 c71
MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Moorish delegates from Mulai Hafid, now in Europe, solicited an audience at the Foreign Office; and, if so, what reply was given to them.

SIR EDWARD GREY

The Answer is in the negative.

MR. ASHLEY

Did not a single delegate approach the right hon. Gentleman?

SIR EDWARD GREY

No, Sir.

MR. ASHLEY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Mulai Hafid is already in possession of Marakesh, the capital of Southern Morocco, and is now advancing on Fez, the northern capital, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to recognise him as Sultan should he succeed in capturing the latter city.

SIR EDWARD GREY

I am not aware that anything has occurred which would justify His Majesty's Government in forming any such intention.

MR. ASHLEY

With whom will the right hon. Gentleman negotiate in the event of requiring to negotiate with the Government of Morocca, if he does not negotiate with Mulai Hafid?

SIR EDWARD GREY

We cannot recognise more than one Sovereign at once.